The Fieschi Morgan Staurotheke
Dublin Core
Title
The Fieschi Morgan Staurotheke
Description
The Fieschi Morgan Staurotheke is a Byzantine reliquary which most likely would have been used to carry fragments of the True Cross as well as other Christian relics. Its name is derived from its past owner, Pope Innocent IV (Sinibaldo Fieschi) as well as his family. The staurotheke, consisting of cloisonné enamel on the exterior and the use of niello on the underside of its lid, portrays Christian images. On the staurotheke’s surface, there is an image of the Crucifixion, different saints, as well as four scenes from the life of Christ: The Annunciation, the Nativity, a second Crucifixion, and the Anastasis.
Publisher
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Date
early 9th century CE
Contributor
Asher Riley
Rights
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Relation
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/472562
Format
Gilded silver, gold, enamel worked in cloisonné, and niello
Overall (with lid): 1 1/16 x 4 1/16 x 2 13/16 in. (2.7 x 10.3 x 7.1 cm)
lid only: 2 13/16 x 3 7/8 x 1/8 in. (7.1 x 9.8 x 0.3 cm)
vessel only: 7/8 x 2 15/16 x 4 in. (2.2 x 7.5 x 10.1 cm)
Overall (with lid): 1 1/16 x 4 1/16 x 2 13/16 in. (2.7 x 10.3 x 7.1 cm)
lid only: 2 13/16 x 3 7/8 x 1/8 in. (7.1 x 9.8 x 0.3 cm)
vessel only: 7/8 x 2 15/16 x 4 in. (2.2 x 7.5 x 10.1 cm)
Type
Staurotheke
Identifier
17.190.715a, b
Collection
Citation
“The Fieschi Morgan Staurotheke,” Byzantine Philly, accessed June 19, 2025, https://byzantinephilly.lcdss.reclaim.hosting/items/show/8.